Tuesday, 31 August 2010

I recently heard a news item about US Immigration and it left me a tad confused. I must point out that I am not American, don't listen or read a lot of American news and only have a scant knowledge of American history. What puzzled me was the force of the article against the people trying to enter America in order to get a better life for themselves and their families.

The Continent of the Americas had been held in fascination for many centuries by Europeans. Many travelled across to the seas to find it. The 1400 and 1500s are full of daring adventures; Columbus discovered the West Indies in 1492. I suspect that with this in mind many of the people aboard the Mayflower left the shores of my (sometimes not so delightful country) to escape Religious persecution; to start a new life for themselves in a new land. After a long and arduous journey they landed upon the country we now know as America. The country was already occupied by indigenous people. It could be argued that the introduction of many Europeans was not good for these people; many were wiped out by European diseases for which their immune systems were not strong enough to fight.

As news of the new country spread more and more people from the European Continent chanced their arms to travel and discover a better life for themselves and their families. Settlements were set up, towns were built and States were organised. Eventually, after much history and war against the Brits Independence was declared on 4th July 1776. A new country was born.

All the while the Indigenous people were being pushed back and out of their land. The settlers were taking over; all to get a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the Indigenous people of America didn't have a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help them stop illegal immigrates coming into their country and taking over their land and livelihoods.

I could go on but I think I have made my point. I would love to know why the people coming to the US and trying to make a better life for themselves are seen in such a negative way by a few Americans. Why is history not remembered?

And then again, maybe I am sticking my nose into business that really doesn't belong to me. I am puzzled, that is all.

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

I am told it does anyway. This year leading up to my 40th birthday I have taken up running, picked up the knitting needles again and taught myself that skill and put myself behind the wheel of a car for the first time since I was 20. I am waiting for the confidence with the latter before I take my test. Once that is mastered I can work on getting myself into a plane; not to fly it you understand but to conquer my fear of not being grounded. I have to do this as I have places to go and people to see.

Anyway, back to my 40th birthday. What seems like an age ago now, my husband asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate it. I didn't want a party as I joined him on his. I asked if the 2 of us could go away together and get someone to look after the girls. I was asked many times through the months 'What are you doing for your 40th?'. I could honestly say that I didn't know and that my husband was sorting it all out.

Fast-forward to last week. I had sort of imagined we would go away to a local town over night and my parents would look after the girls. Last Tuesday they turned up on the doorstep! It transpired that my mum had persuaded my husband to take me away for 3 nights. So on the Wednesday we drove to Bath; a city we both love.

We stayed here:

We visited here:

Yes folks, I managed to encourage my husband that a Spa would be good and for the most part he enjoyed it. The swimming pool in the picture is on top of a roof and gives views of the city of Bath. We had a great time.

The pictures are from Green Park Brassiere where we eat whilst listening to a live Jazz Band. It was a lovely evening.

We managed to fit in shopping, Coffee Shops and a visit to the American Museum.

I had a wonderful birthday. I have to confess that on the outward journey my stomach was in a knot at the thought of leaving the girls for 3 whole nights but the experience was wonderful. The next big thing is our 20th Wedding Anniversary in 3 years time. I must get my passport for that and start praying now. :)

Thanks to my husband for all the secret arranging that he put into this fantastic break.